Cronulla have rewarded coach Shane Flanagan with a two-year contract extension following his side’s strong start to the NRL season.

On the back of the Sharks winning their past five matches in impressive style, the club on Saturday announced that the 46-year-old had agreed to a new deal that will keep him at Toyota Park until the end of 2014.

Flanagan is in his second full year as head coach of the Sharks after taking over from Ricky Stuart with six matches remaining in the 2010 season.

“I am pleased to have finalised my new contract and am excited to have the opportunity to continue coaching here at the Sharks for the next two seasons,” Flanagan said.

“I can see good things ahead for the club both on and off the field so it is an exciting time for the Sharks and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Sharks chairman Damian Irvine was relieved to have secured the services of Flanagan, who previously held assistant coaching roles under Stuart at the Sydney Roosters and Craig Bellamy with NSW.

“We identified Shane as a person of a character and work ethic that reflected the values of the Cronulla Sharks,” said Irvine.

“He has demonstrated in all areas that he is the right person to hold the head coaching position at our club.”